Picking the Sweetest Pears

Brothers Harry and David studied agriculture at Cornell University. They believed that the European Comicepear that thrived in France would also do well here in Southern Oregon, and they were right. The fruit that grew was so exceptionally sweet and juicy, they knew they had something special. They gave these new Harry & David pears a name that reflected their luxurious nature — Royal Riviera® Pears.

Royal Riviera® Pears are winter pears, which means that they don’t ripen on the tree. They only ripen after you put them in cold storage. To determine when the pear harvest can begin, the orchard team tests the firmness of roughly 4,000 pears.

When they’re in the field, a penetrometer can be used, but typically a larger fruit texture analyzer determines which pears have reached maturity. Pears in the sun mature faster than those on the shady side of each tree, so pressure tests are done on a variety of fruit from different locations and then an average is used.

A penetrometer tests fruit maturity in the field.

The fruit texture analyzer takes the information gathered and translates it into a color-coded spreadsheet. The test reveals the average firmness and maturity level of the fruit, and when it reaches the desired 10 to 13 pounds of pressure per square inch, the harvest can begin.

Our lab’s fruit texture analyzer in action.

Since the pears are not quite ready to eat when harvested, their next stop is cold storage. This is where their sugars will fully develop. Once this process is complete, the results are the extraordinary Royal Riviera® Pears we know and love.

We’d Love to Hear from You!

Although the details are interesting, you don’t need to worry about growing pear trees to enjoy a taste of this famous, fresh fruit. Consider Harry & David your premium fruit store. It’s easy to get a pear delivery by ordering online or by phone. Royal Riviera® Pears are nutritious and are always a welcome fruit delivery.